Do you recall the new long playing version of the SFX PSU form factor; specifically Lee's review of the SilverStone SFX-L 700W PSU? Perhaps you have forgotten about the new form factor of PSU that offers similar cooling to a full ATX PSU but takes up a lot less room. Not to fret, [H]ard|OCP is here to remind you with a fresh review of the PSU. Their tests revealed the same strengths as Lee's, perhaps not outstanding but certainly a very good choice for a PSU. They did dock more points for the lack of an included adapter for ATX mounting, they are available but it does seem worth mentioning SilverStone's oversight.

"SilverStone has a new take on small form factor power supplies it is calling "SFX-L." This new form factor extends the standard SFX size by 30mm allowing SilverStone to install a quieter 120mm fan than the usual higher speed and noisier 80mm and 92mm fans. How does all this work out?"

Introduction and Features

Introduction

SFX form factor cases and power supplies continue grow in popularity and in market share. As one of the original manufacturers of SFX power supplies, Silverstone Technology Co. is meeting demand with new products; continuing to raise the bar in the SFX power supply arena with the introduction of their new SX700-LPT unit.

SilverStone has a long-standing reputation for providing a full line of high quality enclosures, power supplies, cooling components, and accessories for PC enthusiasts. With a continued focus on smaller physical size and support for small form-factor enthusiasts, SilverStone added the new SX700-LPT to their SFX form factor series. There are now seven power supplies in the SFX Series, ranging in output capacity from 300W to 700W. The SX700-LPT is the second SFX unit to feature a lengthened chassis. The SX700-LPT enclosure is 30mm (1.2”) longer than a standard SFX chassis, which allows using a quieter 120mm cooling fan rather than the typical 80mm fan used in most SFX power supplies.

The new SX700-LPT power supply was designed for small form factor cases but it can also be used in place of a standard ATX power supply (in small cases) with an optional mounting bracket. In addition to its small size, the SX700-LPT features high efficiency (80 Plus Platinum certified), all modular flat ribbon-style cables, and provides up to 700W of continuous DC output (750W peak). The SX700-LPT also operates in semi-fanless mode and incorporates a very quiet 120mm cooling fan.

The SX700-LPT is a SFX-L (the longer variant of the SFX form-factor) power supply with mighty 700W of power for its size, up 200W from the prior SX500-LG.

The “sneak peak” photo from SilverStone also shows a pair of PCI-E connectors on the PSU, which would be a first for an SFX/SFX-L power supply and permit the use of power hungry cards (or even Crossfire/SLI setups). As for efficiency, the image shows an 80 PLUS Platinum certification, which would also be a first for an SFX/SFX-L PSU. Cable management will be easy for existing SilverStone PSU owners as well as the new SX700-LPT uses SilverStone’s standard cable interface (and this also allows the use of their PP05-E short cable set).

No specifics on price or release just yet, only that the SX700-LPT power supply is coming “later this year”.